Dearly Beloved in the Lord,
Last Friday, 15th November, we entered the joyful season of Christmas. Our Church prepares us to receive the Lord Jesus Christ who came into the world as a simple man.
On the Feast of the Entry of the Most-holy Mother of God into the Temple of Solomon (21st November), we shall sing the Christmas hymn: “Christ is born, give glory! Christ comes from heaven, go to meet Him! Christ is on earth, be exalted!” The Church invites us to praise Christ from the bottom of our hearts, for He “made Himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:7); He emptied His divinity to become one with His creation.
The season of Advent is a time for preparation as we get ready to receive the Divine Child. Do not forget to consider the poor and sick, the weak and elderly, strangers, and all those who are without friends and family. For such, Christ is the only hope and joy. Do not neglect to show sympathy for our neighbours’ many problems. Let us remember to have love and respect for the living and departed, and all those who need our compassion and active love. “It is important that the servant should imitate the Master, who is full of pity, sensibility, righteousness and justice, and does not lord it over us” (St. John Chrysostom, Vol. 8, p.889).
It is our duty to “visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
During this period of spiritual preparation for Christmas, it is our great privilege to have the Precious and Life-giving Cross of our Lord with us. The curse of crucifixion became the symbol of man’s salvation and the fountain of joy and sanctification for all the world. Ever since the discovery of the Cross in 327 by St Helen, the Cross has been a sure sign of our Lord and Saviour’s presence and sacrifice. With the blessing of the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III and the Synod of the Holy Sepulchre, the Precious and Life-giving Cross is coming to the United Kingdom to bless us, to comfort us in our sorrow, to bestow on us courage in difficult times. Let us seek forgiveness for our sins and transgressions. As St Paul writes, “Now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:13-14).
May the peace and blessing of Christ be with you, may the Precious and Life-giving Cross sanctify and count us worthy to all celebrate Christmas in health of soul and body. With these wishes, and with love in the Lord and esteem, I remain.
London, November 2013.
Gregorios, Archbishop of
Thyateira & Great Britain
Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain - Encyclical for the Fast of the Nativity
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